Longyearbyen, Norway: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Longyearbyen, Norway? If you're planning to go to Longyearbyen, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Longyearbyen, Norway

Based on the climate and weather in Longyearbyen, Norway, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Longyearbyen, Norway

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Longyearbyen, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Longyearbyen, Norway by month

January

In January, Longyearbyen is unbearably cold, extremely snowy and somewhat stormy. Temperatures routinely are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C) range. At night, lows are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). This is also a rainy time for Longyearbyen, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In January, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Longyearbyen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to get the right type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you are going to visit the lovely Svalbard Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Spitsbergen Airship Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

February

If you are traveling to Longyearbyen in February, you will notice that it is biting cold, very snowy and somewhat stormy. Expect it to snow most days. Daytime temperatures are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Longyearbyen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to choose the right type. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you are going to visit the lovely Svalbard Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Spitsbergen Airship Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

March

If you go to Longyearbyen in March, you will notice that it is unbearably cold, extremely snowy and somewhat stormy. Expect it to snow most days. Daytime temperatures are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Longyearbyen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Check that you get the correct type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you are going to visit the lovely Svalbard Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Spitsbergen Airship Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

April

If you are traveling to Longyearbyen in April, you will notice that it is unbearably cold, very snowy and somewhat stormy. Expect it to snow about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 10s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Longyearbyen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

If you are going to visit the lovely Svalbard Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Spitsbergen Airship Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

May

May is frosty and very snowy. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It snows about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Longyearbyen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be sure to pick the correct type. The majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you are going to visit the lovely Svalbard Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Spitsbergen Airship Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

June

June can be very chilly, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains regularly and snows regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Longyearbyen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Ensure that you find the correct type. The majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you are going to visit the lovely Svalbard Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Spitsbergen Airship Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

July

In July, Longyearbyen can be brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 40s F (single digits C) and sometimes jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Longyearbyen, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In July, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Longyearbyen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. It's important that you find the correct kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you are going to visit the lovely Svalbard Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Spitsbergen Airship Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

August

August in Longyearbyen is brisk and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Longyearbyen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to pick the right type. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you are going to visit the lovely Svalbard Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Spitsbergen Airship Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

September

In September, Longyearbyen is frosty, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 30s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Longyearbyen, with several of the days of the month having rain. In September, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Longyearbyen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Take care to pick the correct type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

If you are going to visit the lovely Svalbard Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Spitsbergen Airship Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

October

If you are traveling to Longyearbyen in October, you will notice that it can be dangerously cold and very snowy. Expect it to rain once in a while and snow most days. Daytime temperatures are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Longyearbyen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to choose the correct type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you are going to visit the lovely Svalbard Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Spitsbergen Airship Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

November

In November, Longyearbyen can be dangerously cold, extremely snowy and somewhat stormy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C) range. At night, lows are in the 10s F (10+ below zero C). This is also a rainy time for Longyearbyen, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Longyearbyen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Make sure to get the necessary type. Many adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you are going to visit the lovely Svalbard Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Spitsbergen Airship Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

December

In December, Longyearbyen can be bitter cold, extremely snowy and somewhat stormy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C) range. At night, lows are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). This is also a rainy time for Longyearbyen, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In December, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Norway has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Longyearbyen. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. Be careful to choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you are going to visit the lovely Svalbard Church, it's recommended to wear modest clothing:

If you see the Spitsbergen Airship Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:

What to do in Longyearbyen, Norway

Longyearbyen is the largest settlement and the capital city of Svalbard Island, a remote archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean. Despite its location in the far north of Europe, Longyearbyen has become an emerging tourist destination, with a thriving tourism industry that caters to adventurers, scientists, and outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Longyearbyen, Norway:

1. Svalbard Museum

The Svalbard Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Longyearbyen, as it offers insight into the history and culture of the archipelago. It contains a wealth of exhibits that showcase the region's history, natural environment, and economic system. Visitors can learn about the history of whaling, mining, and fishing in Svalbard, and see how the indigenous Sami people have adapted to living in such a harsh environment.

2. Mine 3

Longyearbyen was founded in 1906 as a mining town, and Mine 3 was one of the most important mines in the area. The mine was in operation until 1996, and today visitors can enter the mine and see some of the equipment and tools used in the mining process, including the tunnels and the conveyor belts. The visit is guided, and visitors are issued with helmets and lamps.

3. Northern Lights

Longyearbyen is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, which is a natural phenomenon that occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with the earth's atmosphere. The best time to see the Northern Lights is from October to March, and there are many tours and guides available to help visitors experience this stunning display of light in the sky.

4. Dog sledding

Dog sledding is another popular tourist activity in Longyearbyen, and visitors can take a trip on a dog sled through the snowy landscapes of the Arctic. The sled dogs are specially trained for this activity and are well-cared for by their owners. Visitors can also visit the dog kennels, learn how the dogs are trained, and even help to feed them.

5. Boat tours

Boat tours are an excellent way to explore the fjords and glaciers that surround Longyearbyen. The tours take visitors on a scenic journey through the archipelago, and some even allow visitors to view the local wildlife, including polar bears, walruses, and whales. Visitors can also take kayaking tours to explore the waterways and coastlines.

In conclusion, Longyearbyen is a unique and fascinating destination for travelers looking for adventure, history, and natural beauty. Whether you are interested in exploring the town's mining history, experiencing the Northern Lights, or going on a dog sledding tour, there is something for everyone in Longyearbyen.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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